Grooming Gangs Inquiry

Statutory inquiry into grooming gangs and group-based child sexual exploitation in England and Wales. Chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE with panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE. Final terms of reference published 31 March 2026; formally laid before Parliament and inquiry begins 13 April 2026. Examines institutional failures by police, local authorities, health services, social care and schools. Will consider ethnicity, religion and culture of perpetrators and victims. Oldham confirmed as first local investigation area. Public hearings will be livestreamed with findings published as work progresses. Criminal conduct referrals to Operation Beaconport. Expected to conclude by March 2029 within £65m budget.